Delta: Lawyers Demand N500million From First Bank As Compensation For Victim Of Warri Bullion Van Accident

Respite may come the way of Mrs. Onome Akporode, the woman who was badly crushed from the waist last month by a bullion van conveying cash belonging to First Bank of Nigeria, Udu branch, as lawyers are demanding the sum of N500m from the bank as treatment and compensation for the victim.

The victim, Bigpenreports could recalled was grievously wounded while on her way out of First bank Udu branch after depositing money, while the bullion van was driving into the bank against traffic.

In a document obtained by Bigpenreports in Warri, Delta State, on Monday, the lawyers, Oghenejabor Ikimi and Co., are asking the bank to give respite to the woman in seven days or face a court action.

Mrs. Akporode, who is currently battling for her life at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, had one of her legs amputated while doctors are considering removing the second leg as it was also badly crushed.

The bank however, is insisting that the vehicle used in carrying the cash was hired, arguing that it was not liable, since the van did not belong to the company.

‘’It is our brief that on the 13th day of July, 2015, our client’s wife, Mrs. Onome Akporode (Nee Kator), a 31-year old and mother of four was at the First Bank of Nigeria Plc., Udu Road Branch, to make some payments into an account with your said Bank.

‘’It is also our brief that after the above transaction, Mrs. Onome Akporode (Nee Kator) left the said Bank and crossed to the block pavement on the major road in front of your Bank.

‘’While waiting to safely cross to the other side of the road, suddenly a Ford E.350 Bullion Van with Registration No: AGL 435 BD and a Mitsubishi Escort Van with Registration No: LAGOS KJA 541 XJ conveying cash belonging to your said Bank drove carelessly and menacingly against traffic’’, the lawyer alleged.

In the document addressed to the bank, titled, ‘’Demand for the sum of five hundred million naira for the compensation and treatment of the grievous bodily injuries caused to the person of mrs. onome akporode’’, Ikimi, who doubled as a human rights activist, noted that his client is presently incapacitated and in severe pain, hardship and psychological trauma.

‘’Her jobless husband has borrowed and spent a colossal sum of money for her medical treatment, a week after her admission in the above Hospital.

‘’It is in the light of the above that we make the modest demand of N500,000,000.00 (Five hundred million naira) in order to redress the plight of our client’s wife, Mrs. Onome Akporode (Nee Kator) whom your Bank had abandoned to her fate.

‘’Should you refuse, neglect and/or fail to heed our demand within Seven (7) days upon the receipt of this letter, we shall be compelled to seek lawful redress against your Bank and claim damages at large against you and your Bank’’, the rights activists noted.